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By , IT support technician

Quick Answer

Open the Start menu, search for the app you want, right-click it, and select Pin to taskbar. The app's icon will now permanently stay on your bottom taskbar for easy access.

How to Pin Apps to the Taskbar and Customize the Start Menu ​

Applies to: Windows 10, Windows 11
Article Type: How-To
Last Updated: 2026-03-09

Summary ​

Pinning frequently used apps to the taskbar and customizing the Start menu makes it faster to access the tools you use daily. This article explains how to pin, unpin, rearrange, and customize both areas.

Prerequisites ​

  • Your device must be running Windows 10 or Windows 11.

Instructions ​

1. Pin an App to the Taskbar ​

Add your most-used apps for one-click access.

From the Start menu:

  1. Click the Start button and find the app in the list or use the search bar.
  2. Right-click the app.
  3. Select Pin to taskbar.

From the desktop or File Explorer:

  1. Right-click the app shortcut or .exe file.
  2. Select Show more options (Windows 11) if needed, then Pin to taskbar.

From a running app:

  1. While the app is open, right-click its icon on the taskbar.
  2. Select Pin to taskbar. The icon remains after you close the app.

2. Unpin an App from the Taskbar ​

Remove apps you no longer need quick access to.

  1. Right-click the pinned app icon on the taskbar.
  2. Select Unpin from taskbar.

3. Rearrange Taskbar Icons ​

Organize pinned apps in your preferred order.

  1. Click and drag a taskbar icon to the left or right.
  2. Release it in the desired position.

4. Pin an App to the Start Menu ​

Add apps to the pinned section of the Start menu.

Windows 11:

  1. Click Start and select All apps.
  2. Right-click the app and select Pin to Start.
  3. The app appears in the Pinned section of the Start menu.
  4. Drag pinned apps to reorder them.

Windows 10:

  1. Click Start and find the app in the list.
  2. Right-click the app and select Pin to Start.
  3. The app appears as a tile on the right side of the Start menu.
  4. Drag tiles to rearrange or resize them (right-click > Resize).

5. Unpin an App from the Start Menu ​

Remove apps from the Start menu pinned section.

  1. Open the Start menu.
  2. Right-click the pinned app.
  3. Select Unpin from Start.

6. Show or Hide System Tray Icons ​

Control which icons appear in the bottom-right corner.

Windows 11:

  1. Go to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar.
  2. Expand Other system tray icons.
  3. Toggle individual app icons on or off.

Windows 10:

  1. Go to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar.
  2. Scroll down and click Select which icons appear on the taskbar.
  3. Toggle individual app icons on or off.

Troubleshooting ​

TIP

On Windows 11, you can change the Start menu layout to show more pinned apps and fewer recommendations. Go to Settings > Personalization > Start and select More pins.

Symptom / ErrorPotential CauseSolution
"Pin to taskbar" option missingGroup Policy restrictionAsk IT to confirm whether taskbar pinning is blocked by policy, and to allow it for your account if it is not deliberate.
Taskbar icons reset after restartCorrupted taskbar layoutRight-click the taskbar > Taskbar settings and re-pin your apps. If they reset after every restart, ask IT to check whether your Windows profile is being reset at sign-in.
Start menu not openingWindows Explorer not respondingPress Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, find Windows Explorer, right-click it, and select Restart.